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Inspiration
The idea came from how difficult it can be to connect with people on campus. Events are often posted across different social media platforms, so they are easy to miss. A simpler way was wanted for meeting people with similar interests and finding others who are in the same situation.
What it does
Fishy is a campus-only connection app for UNSW students. Users are verified, then given a profile, interests, timetable, and photos so that people can be matched with some context. The app shows nearby students with overlapping schedules and similar preferences. It also includes matches, chat, profile editing, and an events tab for campus events that are likely to be relevant. The flow is meant to feel more focused and campus-based than a regular swipe app.
How we built it
The app was built with Expo, React Native, and TypeScript. Supabase was used for authentication, storage, and the database. Zustand was used to keep onboarding data across multiple steps. A camera-based onboarding flow was added so profiles feel more real. The interface was styled with a glassmorphism look to keep the app consistent across screens.
Challenges we ran into
The scope had to be kept realistic while still making the app feel complete. Keeping the UI consistent across onboarding, discovery, matches, chat, profile editing, and events took some care. The matching flow needed to feel intentional without becoming too complicated. Getting spacing, padding, and bottom navigation to sit well on smaller screens took some adjustment.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
A working app was built that feels cohesive across the whole flow. The onboarding, discovery, matches, chat, profile editor, and events tab all fit together in a clear way. The app has a strong campus identity and a concept that is easy to explain. A polished user experience was put together within hackathon time.
What we learned
Context matters a lot when people are trying to meet on campus. Timetable overlap and limited chats can make connections feel more meaningful. A clear product idea is easier to build and easier to present. Small design details, like spacing and card layout, change how finished an app feels.
What’s next for Fishy
Event notifications could be added for nearby campus activities that match a user’s availability. Clubs could be allowed to post spontaneous micro-events to students who are nearby and free. The dummy events feed could be replaced with Supabase-backed event data and RSVPs. Recommendations could be improved using interests, matches, and campus behaviour. More trust and safety features could be added as the app grows.
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